Nigerians Rally Against Escalating Living Costs and Governance Issues

In Abuja, Nigerian police used tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters rallying against rising living costs and governance issues. Protesters in various cities, including Lagos, voiced dissatisfaction with government reforms believed to have worsened the crisis. Armed security personnel were deployed to preempt potential violence.

(Adds details) ABUJA, Aug 1 (Reuters) -

Nigerian police fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse crowds of protesters in the capital city of Abuja. Hundreds rallied against the escalating cost of living and governance issues in Africa's most populous nation, eyewitnesses reported. Protesters gathered across various Nigerian cities to voice their discontent with government reforms, which they claim have exacerbated the living cost crisis.

Authorities deployed armed security personnel in a bid to preempt any potential violence. In Lagos, the country's commercial capital, protesters marched towards the government house under the watchful eye of armed policemen before proceeding to two designated protest locations.

(With inputs from agencies.)